Be Sure to Ask These Questions When Getting a Roof Estimate
Getting a roof estimate is a crucial step of the reroofing process, but it’s essential that homeowners know which questions to ask before choosing which roofer to work with. Knowing the right questions will help assess which roofer is committed to delivering high-quality work without cutting corners. In addition, it can also help weed out roofers who may be cutting corners to undercut their competition.
At Dolan Roofing & Construction, we always recommend that homeowners talk to multiple roofers before proceeding and compare their estimates carefully. We make an effort to ensure our estimates are thorough, transparent and illustrate the quality of our work—and we hope that any roofing company you choose does the same.
So to help homeowners make the right decision, we’re sharing some tips on evaluating roof estimates.
How to Read a Roof Estimate
An estimate for a roofing project is about much more than just the total cost at the bottom. Each item listed in the quote has a meaning and says a lot about the quality of the roofer and the quality of the work they do.
In reading through a roof estimate, getting a good understanding and preparing yourself to ask the right questions is essential. We recommend comparing side by side and evaluating the overall level of detail.
Is the estimate itemized with specific quantities, products, colors, etc.? Do they include each step of the roofing process? Missing details could mean a roofer is planning to skip key steps—for example, many roofers will attempt to cut costs by installing a new roof over existing materials, which is almost never worth it in the long run.
With this in mind, let’s look at what questions you should ask a roofer when getting a roof estimate.
Does This Estimate Include Tear Off?
As mentioned, tear off is a step in the roof replacement process that is too often skipped. If this is not specifically included in your estimate, ask the roofer if it’s included in their services. If not, see if they have a good justification, or consider moving on from that roofer.
Is [X] Covered by Your Warranty?
Most roofers will have a workmanship warranty of some kind, and many will also have manufacturer certifications that cover product defects. That said, it can be difficult to understand what exactly is covered by a roofer’s warranty, and some homeowners may be caught off-guard years down the line.
The best solution for this is to ask the roofer about specific types of damage or issues that their warranty may or may not cover. This will help you get an idea for which roofers are doing their best to stand behind their work, and which are not.
Can You Explain This Portion of the Estimate?
While estimates should be as complete and transparent as possible, there will often be portions that you may not fully understand. This may be charges that aren’t immediately clear, or just wording that may seem confusing.
If you’re confused by any portion of the estimate, ask your roofer about that sentence, line item, or section. Good roofers will be happy to explain, while those with something to hide may not make themselves any clearer or may dodge your question entirely.
Will You Notify Me of Unexpected Changes to the Cost?
At the end of the day, an estimate is just an estimate, and your final price will almost certainly differ slightly from the figure each roofer quotes you. However, in some cases, a roofer may encounter an unforeseen issue during the roofing process that can increase your cost—for example, a rotten beam that was not expected to need replacement.
In cases like this, it’s ideal to work with a roofer who will notify you of such unexpected costs, so be sure to ask each roofer about their approach to change orders or insurance claim supplements.
Call Dolan Roofing & Construction for an Inspection and Estimate!
At Dolan Roofing & Construction, our team is renowned throughout San Antonio for being highly communicative and transparent. That includes our inspection and estimate process, where we lay out each item that will factor into the final price you pay for your new roof.
If you’re in need of roofing work, contact our team today to get started! We’ll complete a thorough inspection and deliver a clear estimate to help you make an informed decision.
